Presidential Inauguration

              Inauguration of President Joe Biden

The grand panoply of the American Republic was on display today, January 20, 2021. Early in the morning, outgoing President Trump settled into Marine One Helicopter, for the Ferry ride to Andrews Air Force Base. There, he boarded Air Force One for the ride to Mar Lago, in Palm Spring, Florida. His time had come and gone. It is left for History to judge him.

The incoming President elect, Joe Biden, started off the day with a Mass at St. Mathew’s Cathedral in Washington D.C. with Congressional leadership. He and his family had spent the night before at Blair House, the former Naval Observatory and traditional home of the Vice President of the United States. For one evening, Trump and Biden had slept within a few hundred yards of one another.

The formal inaugural ceremonies were carried out on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Only two weeks before, the building had been overrun by an angry mob of Trump supporters. Now, it was a scene of calm and festive pageantry. Flags and banners bedecked the exterior. Only the small groupings of National Guard Troops, in full battle gear, reminded everyone of the insurrection that had occurred here two weeks ago. 

A cavalcade of ex-Presidents, federal legislators and other dignitaries filled out the seats around the incoming president. Lady Gaga belted out a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Jennifer Lopez sang “This land is our land.” Speeches and poems studded the official array of presentations, before Chief Justice of the Supreme Court  John Roberts swore in the newly elected President of the United States, Joseph R Biden jr. Supreme Court Justice Soto Mayor swore in our first woman Vice President, Kamal D. Harris. President Biden gave a heartfelt speech of inclusion and the need for the country to unite as one people, to face all of the obstacles that are now in our path.

As an observer, it is always interesting to watch all of the many dignitaries who had gathered here. There was warm interaction among some and a cool politeness towards others. To his great credit, Mike Pence, the previous Vice President showed up at the ceremony to represent the transfer of power from one administration to the next. Country singer Garth Brooks wound up the affair up with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Later that day, President Biden, and V.P. Kamala Harris gathered together with three former presidents and their wives, Clinton, Bush and Obama, at a wreath laying ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier, at Arlington National Cemetery.

A slow ride, and a brief walk to the White House and the Bidens were installed in their new quarters. There were to be no elegant inaugural Balls this evening. Biden and his people got right to work, signing executive orders and getting his team in gear. The United States  would be rejoining the Paris Climate accord and the World Health Organization. Many other substantive changes will follow. Biden had announced that he would be stopping construction on the Keystone pipeline, to Alberta, and all construction on the “wall” along our southern border. An organized assault on the Corona virus would begin immediately. There was a vibrancy in the air, and an aura of optimism, not felt in the United States for many years.

 In the Capitol building, at the other end of the National Mall, Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the U.S Senate. The control of the Senate shifted from Republican to Democrat with her deciding, 51st vote. Charles (Chuck) Schumer would be the new Senate Majority Leader. The tenor of legislation, and positive relations with the new administration, will prove a powerful force of change in the social fabric of the American Republic in years to come.

The massive crowds were absent today, because of Covid-19 restrictions, as were the elegant inaugural balls. But, the full majesty of the day and its events were not lessened. It was a demonstration to the world, that even in the face of violent assault, the business of a great democracy was carried out with aplomb and a vow that no vandals, rebels of other miscreants would ever interfere with the lawful operation of the United States Government.

And as the echoes of the speeches and fine sentiments fade into the night, we are left but to wait and see if Joe Biden does what he promised. Lord, I hope so.

                                    -30-

                               (748 Words)

                         Joseph Xavier Martin